WBN has been informed that a reported clash between IBF super-featherweight champion Rances Barthelemy and former two-weight world title-holder Ricky Burns is not true.
Media sources in Scotland had place home fighter Ricky Burns in the ring on March 28 with Barthelemy at the 135lb limit for a bout set to take place on a touted Carl Froch v Julio Cesar Chavez Jr undercard.
Whilst Burns could still feature on what will be a massive pay-per-view bill at the MGM Grand, Cuban-born Barthelemy seems an unlikely opponent at this stage as Margules revealed when asked about the clash on Tuesday.
“I haven’t heard anything yet regarding a fight between Rances Barthelemy and Ricky Burns,” Margules told World Boxing News.
Also, International Boxing Federation Chairman Lindsey Tucker has confirmed that Barthelemy is due to defend his title at 130lbs against mandatory challenger Jose Pedraza and would need to apply for special dispensation to seal any forthcoming encounter with Burns.
BARTHELEMY
“We are due to notify IBF Jr. Lightweight Champion Rances Barthelemy on February 10, 2015 to start negotiations with mandatory challenger Jose Pedraza,” Tucker explained to World Boxing News.
“If Barthelemy wants to fight anyone else he must request an exception to the regulations. If the board grants the exception, then he can fight someone else that is approved by the IBF.”
An announcement giving more details on an HBO-televised Froch v Chavez clash and the co-features for the event is expected soon.
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